Assisted Reproduction.

Assisted reproduction is a method of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse.  Forms of assisted reproduction include intrauterine or intracervical insemination, donation of gametes, donation of embryos, in-vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.  A donor is an individual who provides gametes intended for use in assisted reproduction.  Gametes are sperm, eggs, or any part of a sperm or egg.

Classification of Crimes.
Crimes are classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or class A, B, or C felonies.  While there are exceptions, the classification of a crime generally determines the maximum term of confinement and fine for an offense.  For each classification, the maximum terms of confinement and maximum fines are as follows:
 

 
For most felony offenses, the Sentencing Reform Act determines a specific sentence range within the statutory maximum according to a sentencing grid.  The sentencing grid provides a standard range of months for the sentence, based on both the severity, or "seriousness level," of the offense and the convicted person's "offender score," which is based on the person's criminal history.  The seriousness level of an offense ranges from level I on the low end to level XVI on the high end.  An offender score may vary from zero to nine plus points depending on certain factors.

Assault in the Third Degree.
A person commits assault if he or she attempts to inflict bodily injury on another person with unlawful force, unlawfully touches another person with criminal intent, or puts another person in apprehension of harm.  The crime of assault is divided into four degrees, depending on the specific circumstances of the assault.
 
A person commits Assault in the third degree if he or she, under circumstances not amounting to Assault in the first or second degree, assaults a specific category of person or commits the assault with certain intent or criminal negligence accompanied by other specific factors.  For example, Assault in the third degree includes assaults against firefighters and law enforcement officers performing their official duties.  Assault in the third degree is a class C felony ranked at seriousness level III. 

Uniform Disciplinary Act.

The Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) provides a standardized set of procedures for enforcing laws concerning licensure and misconduct of licensed health care professionals.  The UDA also provides a list of acts that constitute unprofessional conduct.  An applicable disciplining authority may initiate a disciplinary action against a licensee after receiving a complaint or if the disciplining authority has reason to believe that the licensee engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Assault in the Third Degree.
The definition of Assault in the third degree is expanded to include when a person implants his or her gametes or reproductive material into a patient without the patient's written consent. 

Uniform Disciplinary Act.

The list of acts that constitute unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act is expanded to include when a licensee implants his or her gametes or reproductive material into a patient without the patient's written consent.

Fraud in Assisted Reproduction - Work Group.

By August 1, 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) must convene a work group to evaluate and make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature related to addressing fraud in assisted reproduction.  The work group must, at minimum, consist of stakeholders representing:

• the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys;
• victims of crimes related to fraud in assisted reproduction;
• health care providers;
• fertility clinics;
• gamete banks; and
• any other entities that the DOH determines should participate in the work group.

Once convened, the work group must continue to meet at least once every two months to evaluate and make recommendations related to the following subjects:

• conduct that may constitute fraud in assisted reproduction;
• whether particular forms of fraud in assisted reproduction should be subject to increased regulation and enforcement, including consideration of whether to:  (1) expand related professional disciplinary actions; (2) expand related criminal penalties; (3) provide additional civil causes of action or remedies to donors and patients who are harmed; (4) extend related statutes of limitations; and (5) make any other relevant changes to support effective regulation and enforcement;
• whether certain information about the identity and background of donors should be protected or shared, and with whom that information should be protected from or shared with;
• whether to allow or prohibit anonymous donations;
• whether there should be any limits on how frequently the same person may provide donations of reproductive material;
• current regulations on assisted reproduction services offered by health care providers, fertility clinics, and gamete banks in Washington, including existing enforcement mechanisms;
• approaches other jurisdictions have undertaken to address fraud in assisted reproduction, including any legislative efforts to address fraud in assisted reproduction in those jurisdictions;
• resources for victims of fraud in assisted reproduction; and
• any other relevant factors or considerations.

The DOH must issue a final report to the Governor and the Legislature by October 1, 2024.  The work group expires January 1, 2025.